Chambersburg man charged as alleged heroin ring leader

HARRISBURG - Authorities on Thursday charged 12 people with operating an alleged drug ring that distributed at least $3.8 million worth of heroin in Dauphin, Cumberland and Franklin counties.

The investigation focused on the heroin trafficking activities of Sabriel "Pony" Rivera, 29, 120 Mont Alto Road, Chambersburg, according to Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane. Evidence and testimony regarding the case was presented to a statewide investigating grand jury, which recommended on Thursday that criminal charges be filed.

According to the grand jury, Rivera was a major source of heroin sold in the Harrisburg area, which he purchased in Philadelphia and distributed through "runners" in Dauphin, Cumberland and Franklin counties. As the investigation progressed agents from the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation learned that the Chambersburg Borough Police Department had a lateral investigation into heroin distribution, and determined that the distributor of heroin throughout Chambersburg was Rivera's father, Miguel Rivera.

The grand jury found that heroin distributed in each of the counties was stamped or marked with brand names, such as "3D," "Super Strong," "CUSE" and "Apple." Investigators explained that drug dealers often mark their drugs in order to distinguish their brand and the quality of the heroin they distribute.

Sabriel Rivera used many techniques to evade law enforcement, including using a "stash house" in Chambersburg, titling vehicles in others' names and dressing in military uniform while obtaining, transporting and delivering heroin, according to the grand jury.

The case will be prosecuted in Dauphin County by Senior Deputy Attorney General Heather Adams of the Attorney General's Drug Strike Force.

Kane thanked the Harrisburg City Police Department, the Chambersburg Borough Police Department and the Franklin County Drug Task Force for their assistance with the investigation.

The following people were charged:

--Sabriel Rivera, 29, 120 Mont Alto Road, Chambersburg, with four counts of delivery of heroin, one count of possession with the intent to deliver heroin, one count of criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin, and one count of corrupt organizations.

--Miguel Rivera, 52, 21 East Irva Drive, Chambersburg, with four counts of delivery of heroin, one count of possession with the intent to deliver heroin, and one count of criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin.

--Miguel Dejesus-Ramirez, 33, 4014 Bennington St., Philadelphia, with two counts of delivery of heroin, and one count of possession with the intent to deliver heroin.

--Emmanuel Sanchez, 29, address unknown, with three counts of delivery of heroin, and one count each of possession with the intent to deliver heroin and criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin.

--Latisha Martinez, 34, 440 Center St., Chambersburg, with one count of delivery of heroin and one count of criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin.

--Daniel Colon, 29, 1920 N. 4th St., Harrisburg, with one count of delivery of heroin and one count of criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin.

--Crystal Swartz, 28, 1122 Fernwood Ave., Camp Hill, with two counts of delivery of heroin and two counts of criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin.

--Charles Finkbeiner, 30, 327 N. Franklin St., Chambersburg, with two counts of delivery of heroin and one count of criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin.

--Charity Flinta, 39, address unknown, is charged with two counts of delivery of heroin and one count of criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin.

--Brandon Myers, 27, 4334 Lincoln Way East, Fayetteville, with one count of possession with the intent to deliver heroin and one count of criminal conspiracy to possess with the intent to deliver heroin.